HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - On Thursday, Hawaiian Electric contractors will move an 80-ton transformer from Kapolei to Kaneohe — and the heavy load will affect traffic.

The transport vehicle will travel at about 10 to 15 mph on roads and 5 mph on bridges.

The delivery will take about four hours, and start about 9 a.m. at Hawaiian Electric's Ewa Nui Substation on Farrington Highway.

The route travels through the Ewa area and heads east through Salt Lake to Nimitz Highway. At Waiakamilo. the route heads up to Vineyard Boulevard, and then travels downtown on Bishop Street to South King Street.

Continuing east, the route heads onto Waialae Avenue through Kaimuki and the Kahala Mall area to join Kalanianaole Highway, and then heads to Hawaii Kai. The transport then goes around Makapuu Point, through Waimanalo and Kailua, and onto Kamehameha Highway.

November 25 - Scuba diver found unconscious in waters off of Kahala Beach Hotel. (Star-Advertiser)

November 23 - Firefighters extinguished a Hawaii Kai fire that started in a garage on Kaeleku Street. No parties were reported injured and the fire that started around 4:50pm was put out in 15-minutes. [PressReader]

November 23 - The lender for the developer of Kalama Hokupaa, a 14-home project near the Hawaii Kai Executive Golf Course in East Oahu, has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against the developer for not making timely payments on its $6.3 million loan. [PBN]

November 23 - The State is investigating a chemical dump at the Aina Haina drainage canal. The chemical waste has turned the water purple. [HNN]

November 22 - The HPD sergeant involved in last week's bizzare SUV crash fronting Kaiser High School has asked for an independent investigation of the incident. Following the crash, he was served a search warrant and a DNA swab was obtained. The sergeant is a witness in the case against Police Chief Kealoha and his wife. [HNN]

November 23 - HPD have arrested an Aiea man for impersonating a police officer in the Kaimuki area. [Star-Advertiser]

November 18 - Residents near Kaiser High School have been advised of its ongoing construction. The track and field area is being improved and although steps are being taken to mitigate the effects, residents may experience an increase in windblown dust through August 2017, when the improvements are scheduled to be completed. [Hawaii DOE]

October 6, 2016 - Crosswalks; bus stops could be removed in Aina Haina. A proposed crosswalk and bus stop removal will be focused on a small stretch of Kalanianaole highway in Aina Haina. The study was brought on by safety issues after two separate pedestrian deaths. Right now, there are three crosswalks with no traffic lights between Waa and Kaai streets. The state is proposing to get rid of those, and the city is also thinking about taking away four nearby bus stops, a fifth would be relocated. [KHON]

October 4, 2016 - OK Poultry has returned to the Kaiser HS Farmer's Market on Tuesdays. The farm fresh eggs are a popular item among local residents.

September 30, 2016 - Honolulu Police Department (HPD) warns residents on law enforcement imposters. “A local male approached a Hawaii Kai residence, knocked on the door, relayed he was an officer with HPD,” said Sgt. Jerome Pacarro, Honolulu Police Department. The impersonator told the 95-year-old would-be victim he wanted to install a surveillance system in the home, but the man did not let him in. “For these kind of situations, please, please keep the door locked, and talk through the peephole through the door,” Pacarro said. [KHON]

September 22, 2016 - Pacific Business News reports that Henry Kapono's Portlock home is on the market for 1.9 million dollars. [PBN]

September 22, 2016 - Aloha Petroleum will operate a new Hawaii Kai gas station to be located at the site of the current Tesoro on Keahole Street. Permits have been filed to demolish and rebuild. [PBN]

September 21, 2016 - 30-year-old Zachary Felipe of Manoa was pulled from the water at China Walls near Portlock. He was pronounced dead by EMS. [KITV]

September 21, 2016 - The Honolulu Star-Advertiser highlights reknown surf photographer Mike Prickett and his courage in persevering after paralysis. Prickett saved a surfer but suffered the bends and lost use of his legs. Prickett, 51, is a Kaiser High School graduate who landed his first photography job at the age of 15. [Star-Advertiser - library card required]

September 20, 2016 - Prominent Hawaii musician Ernie Cruz, Jr., of the Ka‘au Crater Boys, died after being found unresponsive at Sandy Beach. [Star-Advertiser]

September 20, 2016 - Following car break-ins at Manoa, Noelani, Wilson, Aina Haina and Waialae elementary schools this month, the Hawaii Department of Education issued a press alert. The break-ins occurred during afterschool hours. In each case, vehicle windows were broken and small items taken, including purses, bags, cellphones and laptops. [Hawaii DOE]

September 19, 2016 - Niu Valley Middle School registar's office reports problems with transitioning to the new statewide system. The school requests patience as the issues are remedied. [Niu Valley Middle School]

September 19, 2016 - National-chain Jersey Mike's Subs is scheduled to open in the Hawaii Kai Towne Center in early 2017. It will occupy the space formerly leased to GameStop. [PBN]

Niu Valley students wear uniforms, t-shirts purchased from The Custom Company Harbor Center: 98-027 Hekaha Street, Building #3 Unit #12, located in Aiea. Phone number is 845-8811. Shirts will also be available on Payment Fee Day, July 18, 2016.

Pick up Student Schedules (Because the DOE will be having some system changes in July, there is a possibility that schedules will not be ready – only Team assignments. Please check the NVMS website for updates.)

There will be two lines on Monday, July 18:

1) Payment Line: For those who haven't paid school fees yet (EXACT cash or check)

2) Pre-Paid Line: For those who already paid all their fees in advance of the June 26 prepay deadline - please bring white receipt to enter cafeteria in order to deposit into meal account, pick up schedule, take school tour, etc

Free help in preparing basic federal and state income tax returns is being offered again this year at the Aina Haina Public Library Meeting Room, with trained volunteers available to help those who cannot prepare their own tax returns, have low to moderate income, are disabled, have limited English skills, or are elderly.

Free help in preparing basic federal and state income tax returns is being offered again this year at the Aina Haina Public Library Meeting Room, with trained volunteers available to help those who cannot prepare their own tax returns, have low to moderate income, are disabled, have limited English skills, or are elderly.

Body found along kuliouou trail identified

The Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office said Monday that the body found by Boy Scouts along the Kuli­ouou Ridge Trail [July 11] was that of a 35-year-old Mili­lani man. He was identified as Daniel Koren. Koren died from a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was suicide, the Medical Examiner's Office said. Source: Star-Advertiser (HSPLS library card required)

makapuu trail improvements; closure postponed until august

Makapuu trail improvements, slated for late July 2015 have been postponed until late August. When work is done there will be new lookouts and new asphalt. Source: Hawaii News Now

maunalua bay sanctuary use meeting held july 14; status quo an option

A town hall meeting was held on Tues., July 14, 7:00-8:30 .pm. at Hahaione Elementary cafeteria in response to questions on NOAA's potential plan to restrict the use of Maunalua Bay. Hundreds of residents attended and the most vocal were opposed to more restrictions for the area. NOAA reiterated that status quo remains an option, a point that Marina merchants are advocating. Source: Civil Beat

saving ka iwi coast almost halfway to August goal

The Save Ka Iwi Coast Coalition aims to raise $500,000 in private funding to cap off the $4 million required by Aug. 30 to purchase 182 acres above the seven-mile Ka Iwi coast. as of Friday, July 17 the group is nearly halfway there with $242,897 raised.

feral chicken removal at hanauma; other city facilities

From the Star-Advertiser, July 11, 2015:

The city recently awarded an $80,000 contract to Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions to remove wild chickens at 70 city facilities.

Formally called the Integrated Feral Chicken Management Program, the pilot project, expected to last four to six months, targets feral fowl at the Wai­kiki Shell, Hanauma Bay, Kai­aka Bay Beach Park in Hale­iwa, Kua­loa Regional Park, the Board of Water Supply Manana base yard in Pearl City, and the West Loch and Pali golf courses, among other sites.

Sheri Kajiwara, director of the Department of Customer Services, said the program will be limited to city properties. Private property owners are on their own, she said.

parking enforcement near sandy beach leaves users puzzled

Beach-goer Shane Lono reported to Hawaii News Now that while parked in the area between Sandy Beach and Makapuu, he "was approached by a pair of Honolulu police officers on all-terrain vehicles. He says they told him that he had to move his car, because they were trying to reduce crime in the area"

HPD issued the following statement: "We're told that DPR is in the process of putting up new signs in that area that will prohibit parking. Honolulu Police Officers will be responsible for enforcing those rules".

Interestingly, Hawaii News Now checked the area and found no new signs. They reached out to the Department of Parks and Recreation and have not received a response.

Hawaii 5-0 at koko head in hawaii kai for sixth season blessing

maunalua bay sanctuary use meeting to be held july 14 at 6pm; marina merchants plan rally

On Tuesday, June 30, the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board announced a community meeting to be held regarding NOAAs proposed whale sanctuary expansion in Maunalua Bay. The meeting will be held on Tues., July 14, 7:00-8:30 .pm. at Hahaione Elementary cafeteria. In response, the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association and its merchants announced the formation of a rally to oppose NOAA and to inform the public that "NOAA has not been forthcoming to the public about the overly broad and vague implications of its plan, which could negatively impact Maunalua Bay, the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association and East Oahu."

Interested attendees can find out more about NOAA's plan at its website and through the March 2015 PDF documentation the agency has made available.

hawaii opera theatre opens student performance of the magic flute at niu valley to packed house

Hawaii Opera Theatre writes:

HOT's Summer Opera Residency at the Niu Valley Middle School production of The Magic Flute opened on July 6, 2015, to a packed house and the cast certainly did not disappoint!

saving ka iwi coast receives huge boost; currently at 44% of total goal

The Save Ka Iwi Coast Coalition aims to raise $500,000 in private funding to cap off the $4 million required by Aug. 30 to purchase 182 acres above the seven-mile Ka Iwi coast. This week, it received a tremendous boost when local philanthropist Randy Ching donated $100,000. Importantly, Ching's donation sparked additional momentum that took total donations as of July 10, 2015 to 220.5K, 44 percent of the total goal.

PIEOLOGY TO OPEN AT AINA HAINA SHOPPING CENTER

From the Star-Advertiser, July 1, 2015:

The nation's fastest-growing pizza chain is coming to Hawaii. . . The Hawaii operator will be Peter Capriotti, owner of the isles' seven Wendy's hamburger restaurants and many restaurants on the mainland. Capriotti's Cotti Foods Pizza One Inc. is in the final stages of executing a lease at Aina Haina Shopping Center. "We should have a signed lease within two weeks," he said. "We're shooting for (opening) in the first quarter of 2016," and while "we would love to see it before the holidays, I doubt" it will be ready to open its doors, he said.

[Link] to Star-Advertiser through Hawaii State Library with card # and PIN

Man released in murder case is arrested on suspicion of robbery; Man freed in stabbing case jailed in breach of park hours

June 11- Police on Thursday arrested Gary Landis, who was released June 3 from police custody in the stabbing death of an 80-year-old newspaper vendor, on suspicion of trying to rob a 75-year-old woman in Honolulu.

Police arrested at 10:48 a.m. Landis, who has no local address, was arrested at an Ala Moana Boulevard address at 10:48 a.m. Thursday on suspicion of first-degree robbery.

On June 5, Landis was arrested at 2:15 a.m. and cited for being at Kapiolani Park after it closed.

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June 06 - Gary L. Landis was released from custody earlier this week as police continued to investigate the stabbing death of a 70-year-old newspaper vendor in November, but Landis was back in jail again Friday.

Just 32 hours after being released without being charged in the death of Thaddeus "Ted" Pirga Jr. of Hawaii Kai on Nov. 9 on Wai­alae Avenue, Landis was cited and arrested at 2:15 a.m. Friday for allegedly being in Kapiolani Park after it closed at midnight.

food news: central bakery opens in kahala

Someone pinch me. Beyond chasing after Chris Sy, Honolulu finally has a permanent spot for world-class breads with the arrival of Central Bakery in Kahala in the former Kahala Moon/Wahoo’s space next to Olive Tree Cafe.

Bread lovers will rejoice, but so will diners. The name doesn’t reflect that Central Bakery is also a full restaurant serving Italian- and French-style cuisine, with a hint of its Japan roots. . .

Central Bakery is at 4614 Kilauea Ave. Current hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; lunch and brunch service are expected to start at the end of the month. The cost of dinner is about $60 to $80 for two without drinks. Call (808) 777-6700.

elderly couple pulled from burning kaimuki home by neighbors

Family rushed to the home after getting word of what happened while medics treated the couple for smoke inhalation. Neighbors took a step back not wanting recognition just grateful everyone was safe. "Oh my goodness I was sitting here praying giving thanks. It could have been anyone of us," said Mrs. Adams. [Read more at Hawaii News Now]

State health officials fail to take action against Kaimuki squalor home

The Hawaii News Now video opens along the banks of Kapalama Canal, where homeless are being displaced and their belongings cleared. The video changes locations to Kaimuki, where neighbors can't get local government to clear a home infested with rodents and roaches, and where they say the owner hasn't occupied the residence in months.

Excerpt from the website:

A house of squalor in Kaimuki remains untouched with heaps of trash fouling up the neighborhood. Neighbors are in disbelief, wondering what it takes to get help from anyone in the government. City and state officials are well aware of that property where the yard is piled so high with junk you can barely see the home. State officials said its Sanitation Branch had not received any complaints about the home on 2nd Avenue. But one neighbor said she has kept a record of each time she called the state and the city which dates back to 2004. [read more and watch the video at Hawaii News Now]

state feels paris' pain on [makapu'u] love locks

On any given day, padlocks appear on the rusted, mesh-link fence at the highest lookout on the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail in east Oahu.

Sometimes, a dozen or more of these "love locks," which are meant to express sentiments of love or commitment, pop up during the week, despite a sign informing the public that they will be removed. There are locks of all shapes, colors and sizes, some inscribed or marked with couple's names and a date, others left blank.

They are part of a problem that stretches from Makapuu to Paris. The love locks became a serious problem for the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris when a chunk of fencing fell under the weight of the locks last summer. City workers in Paris began removing 45 tons of locks last week to prevent long-term damage to the historical bridge.

While the custom seems to have originated in Europe -- some believe it exploded in popularity after a film adaptation of an Italian book entitled "I Want You" in 2007 -- the trend is now worldwide.

kaimuki grad '01 ruthie ann miles wins Tony for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical”

The 69th-annual Tony Awards were handed out in New York Sunday evening, and one of them went to a local O’ahu girl! Ruthie Ann Miles in her Broadway debut won the Tony for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical.” That’s for her role in the Broadway revival of the classic “The King and I.”

Kaiser high football standout michael eletise narrows choice from 41 to 10

After months of being a prized prospect in the eyes of universities from Hawaii to the East Coast, Michael Eletise of Kaiser High School has narrowed his list of 41 BCS offers and one Division II offer to 10 schools.

Koko Crater Stables dying slow death at hands of perplexing city decisions

[T]imes have been difficult for KCS [Koko Crater Stables] in recent years, with the loss of the horseback riding trail and the age-related deterioration of the barns on the property.

Issues include the city's denial of the 2-mile horseback trail ride in Koko Crater and the forbidding of designated stables staff to live 24/7 on the grounds cottage, which had been placed there decades ago. . .

Other concerns such as horse manure (which the gardens could use) and erosion could be mitigated with community kuleana in the crater and soil conservation best-management practices. . .

Regarding the cottage that has been used by KCS staff for decades, the city offers no explanation other than to say that the cottage is no longer part of the contract. Hence, it is no longer available for use. This prevents KCS from having staff present 24/7 to monitor the horses. . .

bruno mars PORTLOCK HOME sold for $2.7m

Grammy-winning singer Bruno Mars, who bought a tricked-out estate in the Fryman Canyon area last year, has sold a Balinese-inspired home in the eastern part of Honolulu for $2.7 million. . .

The nearly one-third-acre property came on the market last year for $3.5 million and was more recently priced at $2.995 million, records show. Mars, whose real name is Peter Gene Hernandez, bought the house from John Browning, heir to the Browning firearms company, in 2012 for $3.1 million.

interview with stacey aldrich, new state librarian and hawaii kai resident

The June 5 "Honolulu Star-Advertiser Mark Coleman Column" features Stacey Aldrich, new State Librarian and recent Pennsylvania to Hawaii Kai transplant. Aldrich assumed her new role on April 6. She speaks with Mark Coleman to great length, discussing changes, both professional and personal, as well as highlighting the many services of our state system public libraries: an excellent read. To see the unabridged interview, go to -- you guessed it -- the Hawaii State Library database, online. (clicking the link above and entering your library card # and PIN will take you there)

Pacific Business News confirms what many of us suspected long ago. After seeing Auntie Pasto restaurant signs go up at the Aina Haina Shopping Center nearly a year ago, then seeing them removed with virtually no construction taking place, it's true; Auntie Pasto's restaurant will not be occupying the space.

Alleged fraud has trial set for August

A 58-year-old Aina Haina woman who allegedly used stolen credit cards to make thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases at upscale retailers over a six-month period is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Kathleen Watanabe entered a plea of not guilty Thursday to a total of 23 counts of first-degree theft, first-degree identity theft, second-degree theft, second-degree identity theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and unauthorized possession of confidential personal information.

Police said they investigated several cases of credit card fraud reported Nov. 21 to March 2 by three women.

At Watanabe's arraignment in Circuit Court, Judge Richard Perkins scheduled her trial for the week of Aug. 3 and assigned Circuit Judge Karen Ahn to the case. Watanabe is being held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.

An Oahu grand jury indicted Watanabe last week. Police arrested her May 21 at her home.

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Weekly Friday news summary for East Oahu and Hawaii Kai. Full text of these excerpts is available through the web. Where access is granted to the public, there is a link. Due to the quantity of news stories, there is also a Tuesday June 2, 2015 supplement to this week's news.

Suspect in stabbing of Kaimuki newspaper vendor released

A 30-year-old man arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 70-year-old man who sold newspapers in Kaimuki was released, pending further investigation. Honolulu police arrested Gary Lee Landis Tuesday on suspicion of murder in the death of Thaddeus “Ted” Pirga Jr., of Hawaii Kai, in November. Police released Landis Wednesday, He was not charged.

Brush fire closes kalanianaole near makapuu in afternoon hours

The initial call came in at 2:43 p.m. Ten [fire] companies with 32 personnel responded. The closure was in effect between Alan Davis Beach and Sea Life Park until about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday. It was 100 percent contained by 6:30 p.m. No one was injured and no damage was reported.

PV Panels to go up again at Aina Haina Library

Paying for solar -- twice! It may not sound very book-smart, but that is what the state has done at one of its libraries.

. . .it seemed like a bright idea four years ago to put photovoltaic panels on the library roof until windy weather blew in last year. "We had an accident where a couple of panels flew off the roof. Luckily no one got hurt, but it led to an inspection and they deemed the system to be unsafe," said [Keith] Fujio, [assistant to the state librarian].

Some of the rack mounting materials were found to be defective, and the panels came down. They have stayed down for more than a year because there has also been a problem getting them fixed.

"We tried to go back to the original contractor, and they are no longer in business," said Fujio.

While the state waits to recover what it can from the contractor's insurer, it has decided to put PV panels back up at the library.

A whole new system will cost an $280,000. That is on top of the $590,000 the state paid back in 2011 for roof repairs and the initial photovoltaic system.

Police arrest man, 30, in Kaimuki fatal stabbing

A 30-year-old man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 70-year-old man who sold newspapers in Kaimuki.

Honolulu police arrested Gary Lee Landis at 11:15 a.m. on suspicion of murder in the death of Thaddeus “Ted” Pirga Jr., of Hawaii Kai, according to a news release from CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department. Charges against Landis are pending.

Pirga, a retired welder and popular seller of the Sunday Honolulu Star-Advertiser in Kai­muki, died Nov. 9 after he was stabbed while at his post in front of Cafe Miro on Wai­alae Avenue.

Hawaii chef Ed Kenney, the owner of Kaimuki Superette and Town, open[ed] his third restaurant in Honolulu’s Kaimuki neighborhood, Mud Hen Water, on Tuesday night following months of extensive renovations.

. . .Mud Hen Water, [is] across the street from Town and next door to Kaimuki Superette at 3452 Waialae Avenue,

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EastOahu96825 is a website focused on the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood. Articles of interest include nearby free and low-cost events, local fundraisers, Costco shopping, and my trials and tribulations in learning Japanese as a second language.

This site also posts the latest information on my pet project, a once a month plant swap that takes place every 1st Tuesday at Kaiser High School from 4-7pm.